A cooling towel isn't just some rag you mop your dome with, it's a highly technical product!
Let's start with what materials a cooling towel or wrap can be made from or can contain.
PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate)
Microfiber
Cooling Gel Beads
Hybrids
Ice Bands
Pre-Soaked
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
PVA is a material used in many cooling products made today. It is very absorbent, so it retains water for a long time, longer than standard fabrics. Another advantage is Polyvinyl Acetate's capacity to stay dry to the touch, as long as the material isn't completely saturated with water. If a towel made from PVA stops cooling, simply rewet it, wring it out, and wave the towel in the air (pretend it's a Steeler's Terrible Towel!) to reactivate the cooling properties.
AlphaCool PVA Cooling Towel - economical when bought in bulk!
Chill-Its Instant Cooling Towel - multiple colors to choose from
Occunomix PVA Cooling Towel - large size for your biggest needs
Microfiber
Microfiber cooling products contain some of the same properties as PVA items. The microfiber towel uses specialized fabrics that retain water much better than standard towels. Microfiber is also very soft to the touch, which makes them popular solutions for athletes. The microfiber cooling towels do not become rigid or stiff when they dry out as PVA towels do. However, microfiber cooling towels typically do not provide the same duration of cooling as the PVA towels. Microfiber is still a great option, and the towel can easily be reactivated by dipping back in cool water. Microfiber cooling towels are useful for anyone working or playing in the heat.
Mission EnduraCool Microfiber Towel - lasts up to 2 hours!
AlphaCool Microfiber Cooling Towel - budget-buster when bought in bulk
MagicCool Microfiber Towel - a different color on each side, stylish
Cooling Gel Beads
While not strictly cooling towels, cooling gel beads are common in cooling neck wraps and cooling bandanas. The gel beads are very small, but they grow up to 100 times their original size when they become wet. The beads create a large gel layer that feels much cooler than the surrounding air and provides long-lasting cool. Many of these wraps are 30-40 inches in length, which give the wearer enough room to tie them in place. Common uses for the cooling gel products are construction, yard work, or basically any activity where the user will be outside for an extended period of time. The main drawback of this type of cooling product is that the gel pads can become a bit slimy after repeated use.
Chill-Its Neck Coolers - lots of choices in colorful graphics
Occunomix Cooling Headband - economical when bought in large quantities
Hybrids
With PVA and Microfiber cooling products popular for their individual reasons, manufacturers have created hybrid products to provide the best of both worlds! These hybrid cooling towels often contain a strip of PVA material in addition to microfiber or standard cotton. The PVA portion provides the super-absorbent capability and long-lasting cool. The microfiber contributes a soft feel that so many consumers enjoy. When added together, you get an ultra-soft comfortable product that retains water for long periods providing long-lasting cooling! Win-Win!
MiraCool Evaporative Cooling 2-in-1 Towel-terry cloth teams up with cooling relief
Radians Cooling Headband - Spandex stretch fit for more comfort
AlphaCool Ultra Neck Cooler- lasts for hours and a budget-buster
Ice Bands
These products are generally made of soft cotton fabric with an internal pocket that holds removable ice packs. The ice bands provide extreme cooling and make great options for post-workout muscle soreness, or for a quick cool down on the job site. The ice packs need to be frozen, so access to a freezer is a necessity for these products.
AlphaCool Ice Band Cooling Neck Wrap - Made of micro-textured material for advanced moisture retention
FlexiFreeze Ice Neck Wrap Cooling Collar - no need for bulky tie!
Pre-Soaked
Pre-soaked cooling towels feature a more traditional cotton terry cloth design. What makes these cooling towels different from all the others is that they are ready to use out of the package. No refrigeration or wetting needed! These reusable towels come pre-moistened with all-natural cooling extracts and oils that produce an instant cooling sensation. Among the natural ingredients are Lime Oils, Lemon Oils, Aloe Leaf Juice, and water. These towels are completely reusable, all you have to do is just rinse it under cool water and your off to the cooling races!
Cool Towel Handy Size - resealable package
Cool Towel Medium Size - handy size for most uses
Cool Towel Large Size - largest size available!
No matter your cooling need, there is a cooling towel or wrap to fit your budget or needs. When the temps soar, reach for a cool towel!